An investigation by the Israeli military has found that ground operations by its forces may have contributed to the killing of six hostages by Hamas in Gaza in August.
“Ground activity in the area, although gradual and cautious, had an impact on the circumstances in the terrorists’ decision to kill the six hostages,” it said.
The investigation also revealed that the soldiers were not aware of the presence of the hostages when they began their operation in the Rafah area. Later, the bodies of the hostages were taken out.
The killings sparked outrage in Israel, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand the government reach a ceasefire deal.
In late August, Israeli soldiers found the bodies in an underground shaft in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan area. The army said they were killed before the troops arrived.
Israel’s chief of general staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic event, with the most difficult conclusion with the brutal killing of six hostages by Hamas,” the investigation said.
The Forum for Hostages and Families of the Missing said in a statement that the investigation has once again proven that the return of all those captured during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas will only be possible through an agreement. .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under increasing pressure, with critics saying it has not done enough to free the hostages.
Israel responded to the attack by Hamas by conducting airstrikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 45,000 Palestinians have died during the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. According to the United Nations, nearly two million people – 90% of the population – have been displaced.
The United Nations and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and warned on several occasions that Gazans are on the “brink of famine” – accusing Israel of deliberately blocking aid. are – which Israel denies.
According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured in Hamas raids last year.
Ninety-six of them are believed to be still in captivity, survived, rescued or their remains have been recovered. Israel believes that sixty-two are still alive. Four other hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.
Indirect negotiations are ongoing between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and release the remaining hostages.
Mr Netanyahu said recently that there had been “some progress” but could not say when the talks would end. So far there has been no progress – despite Palestinian officials telling the BBC they are very close to reaching an agreement.